Mary Martha Lunkes (nee "Bosshart")

Mary Martha Lunkes (nee “Bosshart”), 92, of Siesta Key, Sarasota, Florida and formerly of Niles, Illinois, passed peacefully at home June 26th while praying the rosary. Mary was born in Chicago, Illinois and was married 62 years to Jerome “Jerry” Lunkes. She was one of eight children, grew up during the depression and came of age during WWII. Mary graduated from Providence High School for Girls in 1947 and maintained life-long friendships with a group of classmates who called themselves the Gay Femmes, and more recently, reflecting current mores and their ages, the Gray Femmes. She was known for her humor, wisdom, kindness, and faith. Mary was the mother of five sons and one daughter, twelve grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She raised her family in Niles, Illinois and was a parishioner of St. John Brebeuf for 23 years. She was extremely active in parish life, serving as Co-Chair of a “Festival” fundraising event, was President of the Mother’s Club and served on the parish school board. Mary was also active in and a President of the Mother’s Club at Notre Dame High School, where her five sons attended. Until death, she maintained life-long friendships with Geri, Holy, Betty and many other ladies from St. John Brebeuf. In 1980 Mary moved to Siesta Key with her husband, Jerry, and her two youngest children. She was a 42-year member of St Michael the Archangel parish where she was active in the Women’s Guild, served as a Eucharistic and bereavement minister, a lector, and friend to many. This past spring, she made two successful weekend appeals at Sunday Masses soliciting capital campaign contributions for the church remodel and new church hall. Her fellow parishioners began referring to her as St Michael’s “Betty White”. Throughout her life, Mary gave to others. She delivered Meals on Wheels, brought the Holy Eucharist to the home bound, frequently donated blood and over ten gallons of platelets. Mary was an avid Bridge player and member of numerous clubs. A sportswoman, Mary played tennis and was an avid golfer up until her passing. She carded two (2) holes in one shot during her playing days. Jerry and Mary loved to travel. They took trips to many places in the world. Later she helped her children and grandchildren enjoy world travel. First, taking her children on a cruise down the Rhine River, and later a cruise to Alaska with her children and grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Jerry and is survived by her children, Gregory (Lijun Liu) of Albany, California, Joseph (Kathleen) of Wilmette, Illinois, Martin (Linda) of Chicago, Illinois, Richard, David (Elaine) and Mary Anne Mies of Sarasota and her sisters Jean (Robert) Schordje, and Ann (Paul) Schultz; twelve cherished grandchildren, Matthew (Anne), Edward (resident of Misericordia Heart of Mercy), William (Amanda), Hilary (Peter), Anna Marie, Elizabeth, Victoria, Alexander, George, Robert, Joseph and Benjamin; and seven darling great grandchildren, Audrey, Dorothy, Peter, Millicent, Louis, James and Caroline. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Leo and Thomas, and sisters Lois, Elizabeth, and Madelyn. A wake celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 18,2022 at St. Michael the Archangel on Siesta Key followed by an 11:00 AM Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, please remember St. Michael’s capital campaigns or Misericordia Heart of Mercy.

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Mary Martha Lunkes (nee "Bosshart")

June 26, 2022